Eruvin 58 - 64

by Rabbi Moshe Newman

Rabbi Shmuel bar Inia said in the name of Rav, "Torah study is more important than the offering of the daily sacrifices."

Eruvin 63b

“One who is slightly intoxicated (“shatui”) should not pray, but if he prays his prayer counts; whereas one who is significantly intoxicated (“shikur”) should not pray, and if he prays his prayer is considered an abomination.”

The above halacha is taught on our Daf by Rava bar Rav Huna and is codified in Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chaim 99:1).

What is the difference between shatui and shikur? The former refers to one who drank a revi’it (approximately 86-150 cc) of wine or other intoxicating beverage, but is sober enough to speak in front of a king. The stricter status of “shikur” applies when the drinker is unable to speak coherently in front of a king.

There are other factors that need to be taken into account in any ruling today (see Mishna Berurah in siman 99), and a Rav should be asked for a psak in any actual case as always. But the message is clear: Don’t drink and daven.

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